ONLINE THERAPY

Online therapy has a lot to offer.

Online therapy is great if you live in a rural area. A major barrier to mental health services is feeling as if your information will be kept confidential. Often those in rural areas may have trouble finding a therapist that does not attend their church congregation of have children in the same class. This can cause conflict and limit options to care. Online therapy is a way for you to have access to qualified mental health clinicians no matter where you live.

Physical limitations are no longer a barrier to support. Mobility issues should not be a reason for people to be denied care. Connecting with a therapist from the comfort of your home can be a convenient and often cost effective solution.

Online therapy is often more convenient and affordable. Because some online therapists do not have to support the overhead of an actual office and also have the freedom to be in various locations while working, fees are often a bit lower than visiting a therapist in person.

Research indicates that online therapy is good for depression and anxiety.

There has been a ton of research on the benefits of online therapy compared to in-person treatment. One meta analysis which looked at studies of over 9,000 people who utilized online therapy compared to in-person therapy. This analysis found that online therapy was as effective as in-person treatment in depression and anxiety. One study in Zurich found that 57% of people in who took online CBT therapy showed continued improvement after three months compared to 42% of face-to-face CBT subjects.

Online therapy has some limitations including difficulty in effectively diagnosing as well as missing the element of in-person human connection. It is also not appropriate for all types of issues including severe psychiatric disorders and people experiencing suicidal thoughts. However, we have solid evidence that mild to moderate depression as well as anxiety are effectively treated through an online platform.

Are you feeling isolated, anxious or depressed?

Have you recently suffered from an illness which limits your mobility?

Are you feeling overwhelmed with day-to-day responsibilities and feel you have no time to seek therapy?

Are you having increased fear or panic and don't feel comfortable leaving your home?

Or maybe you live in a rural town where your therapy options are limited?

Does emotional support seem out of reach? Has the stress of daily living left you neglecting your mental health? Often when we are in situations where we have limited access to qualified mental health services, whether that be because health conditions don't allow us to leave the house as much, or perhaps we feel our community doesn't have the services we need. This can lead us into a downward spiral of isolation and limited resources.

Even if you are at home most of the time these days or additionally, not feeling your best, that doesn't mean you need to be deprived of the support you need. Online therapy can be a middle ground. It can be a way for you to begin being more connected to resources that can help you feel better.

Isolation and a feeling of overwhelm are a common reaction to illness and limited mobility.

The experience of many with chronic illness is that many of our relationships have been dramatically altered or lost. This can be devastating, especially in a time when we actually need more support. Often, dramatic changes in health or major life disruptions bring feelings of isolation because we cannot connect with people in the same ways. Possibly our role in the family shifted or we were no longer capable of going to work. And sometimes, we have difficulty thinking or remembering which makes us unreliable, unpredictable and feeling a bit harder to connect with. You may feel like you are alone, but in this experience, you are not.

There are approximately two million people in the United States currently that are completely homebound. That does not include people whose lives have become limited due to illness or other unforeseen circumstances. This also does not account for those of us who have become so consumed with our daily lives that we just don't feel connected anymore.

Emotional isolation is a real problem with actual consequences. Our immune systems and the way our body manages pain are directly linked to our feelings of social isolation. Online therapy can be a convenient solution, a break from the norm and a way to spend some time focusing on you.

BUT YOU STILL MIGHT HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT WHETHER OR NOT ONLINE THERAPY IS A GOOD FIT FOR YOU

I'm already in support groups. How does online therapy differ from chatting on Facebook?

Online therapy should be conducted by someone with a license. Just because you are online doesn't mean the quality of your emotional support and mental health care should be any less. Whether you meet with someone online or in person, your therapist should be able to explain to you their credentials and qualifications for addressing your specific needs.

Do I have to have special equipment to receive online therapy?

All you will need is a computer with a camera and reliable internet. I utilize an online platform called Doxy.me which provides a confidential platform for us to see each other via computer. After we decide online therapy is right for you, I will send you a link. You simply click the link and it takes you to the virtual "waiting room" where I will meet you for our session.

Does my insurance cover online therapy?

My best answer is "it depends". I do not take insurance, however I'm happy to assist you in finding out your insurance coverage if you need the help.

If you are interested in getting started with online therapy and would like a free 20 minute consultation, call 347-994-9301.